OXFORD, Ohio—Dion Wade, a 6-6, 185-pound guard, will transfer to Miami University and join the men’s basketball program, head coach John Cooper announced Wednesday. Wade is transferring from Auburn University where he played his freshman campaign and will sit out the 2014-15 season due to NCAA transfer guidelines. He will have three years of eligibility remaining.

“We are really excited to bring Dion into the fold,” said Cooper. “When you look at Dion, he is a player who has size and he’s got length as well as the ability to really shoot the ball. Anytime you can get those qualities in a player, those are things that can enhance your program. Coming from an SEC program where he played about 11 minutes a game and saw good playing time, he has a feel for what it’s like to be out on the court in a collegiate setting and to play against very good competition. I think those are things he will be able to grow from and that we will also be able to benefit from.

“He brings some other things to the table. He’s a terrific student who has a varied background,” added Cooper. “Having grown up in Belgium and fluently speaking four languages, he brings a background that is unique to our program. Certainly we hope we can help him grow as well as he can help us grow.”

Last season, Wade came off the bench in all 30 games for the Tigers and averaged 10.9 minutes of action per game. On the season, he averaged 3.0 ppg and 1.3 rpg. His season high was 15 points against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Dec. 30 where he was 4-for-5 from the field, including 4-for-4 from 3-point range.

Originally from Antwerp, Belgium, Wade prepped at Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nev., helping the team to a No. 1 ranking. A McDonald’s All-America nominee at Findlay Prep, Wade also was a member of the Belgium Junior National Team.

“I see that Coach Cooper is trying to do amazing things here,” said Wade. “Personally, I feel like I can fit into this system, excel here and reach my full potential. Coming to campus and hanging out with the team, it just felt right. The atmosphere here is great and the campus is beautiful.”